Nifemi Ogunro

Furniture, unembellished in essence, is merely a system of planes that are meant

to be interacted with by the body or other objects. This mindset serves as a catalyst

for my exploration into the morphology of commonplace articles such as chairs, side

tables, and shelves, prompting examination of both their visual manifestation and their

ergonomic engagement. I want the pieces I create to serve a function

but to also exist on their own as works of art—as Functional Sculptures. Throughout this

residency, I have been able to expand on this design language and am grateful to be

supported in a period of experimentation. For the first time, I am able to prioritize the

sculptural aspect of my practice rather than the functionality of the works. This is new

territory for me. My work is distinctly nurtured by my immediate surroundings and personal experiences. While I look to designers for inspiration, I find that many of my heroes exist in other mediums such as cinema, music, comedy, and poetry. A Brooklyn-based designer and sculptor, I was named as one of Wallpaper magazine’s 300 people to know. My works have been

featured in various publications, on the television show Everything’s Trash, and are held in the permanent collection of the Denver Art Museum. I am also a recipient of the New York Community Trust’s Edward and Sally Van Lier Fund Residency at the International

Studio and Curatorial Program.